Putin and Xi's 'diehard' bodyguards break the internet with brief exchange

A clip of Russian President Vladimir Putin's and Chinese President Xi Jinping's bodyguards breaking their tough demeanour for a brief exchange has gone viral.

The footage shows one of Putin’s bodyguards awkwardly approaching Xi’s bodyguard on Friday, exchanging a glance, a smile, and a nod, which was reciprocated.

The internet went wild, with many joking this brief encounter did more for international relations than expensive diplomacy.

X users turned the encounter into a viral meme, debating “who would win in a fight".

“The Chinese bodyguard looks more diehard. Will give it to him," one user said.

It comes as a hug between President Putin and President Xi sparked a bitter response from the US, highlighting fears over China-Russia cooperation amid the Ukraine conflict.

The two leaders met in China to discuss forming a stabilising force amid rising geopolitical tensions.